For most folks trying to run a farmed animal sanctuary, they soon learn it is a money sink. Not everyone is as fortunate, visionary, or aggressive in their fundraising as the founders of Farm Sanctuary. The founders of Caboodle Ranch and Angel’s Gate Hospice may know that all too well. It’s expensive to run a rehabilitation center and sanctuary for animals. Majority of Americans don’t find it to be of value. Grants aren’t available specifically for sanctuaries. And earned income from tours and bed and breakfast don’t generate much. The only sanctuaries that survive and become effective, amazing organizations are those that have either a strong giving program, adopt social enterprise, or have a combination of the two.

But do any farmed animal sanctuaries exist that are social enterprises?

Not a day goes by when I don’t sign into my email or search the web and find the phrase “social enterprise.” It’s increasingly common where there’s “social change.” More and more social justice groups are adopting it. So what is it exactly that makes folks grab hold of it not unlike the sustainability frenzy?

Social enterprise offers a way to get to the heart of human values without having to take a single philosophy course. And an unfortunate consequence, like sustainability, is for existing corporations to use this buzz phrase to manipulate consumer desires for a better world in order to continue business as usual. However, I’m not going to get into the latter. I’m more interested in its possibilities, especially for animal liberation. Continue reading →